Introduction:
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful, tangy, and creamy dessert that combines the fresh zing of lemon with the smooth richness of cream cheese. Featuring a buttery, crisp crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a tart lemon layer, these bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. They are ideal for spring or summer gatherings, but their bright flavors make them a welcome treat year-round. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these bars are a must-try for lemon lovers!
The Inspiration Behind Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
Lemon desserts are beloved for their refreshing taste, and the addition of cream cheese brings a decadent twist to the classic lemon bar. These bars are inspired by the simplicity of a cheesecake paired with the bold flavors of lemon curd, creating a light yet rich dessert in every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bars, giving structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates a buttery, flaky crust.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the flavors of the crust.
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides the creamy and rich texture of the middle layer.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the cream cheese filling.
- 1 large egg: Helps set the cream cheese layer.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor that enhances the cream cheese.
- For the Lemon Layer:
- 2 large eggs: Give the lemon layer its structure and richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling and balances the tartness.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the lemon layer.
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Provides the bright, tangy lemon flavor.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Enhances the citrusy flavor.
- For Garnishing (optional):
- Powdered sugar: Dust over the bars for a pretty finish and extra sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Adds a fresh pop of color and additional citrusy flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm, even layer.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Lemon Layer:
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface evenly.
- Bake the Bars:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the lemon layer is set and slightly golden at the edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Chill and Slice:
- Once the bars have cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar and add extra lemon zest if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Cream Cheese Bars:
- Cold Butter for the Crust: Use cold butter for a flaky, firm crust. This ensures a crisp base that holds the creamy and lemon layers without becoming soggy.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be too harsh and lack the brightness of fresh lemons.
- Chill Before Slicing: Allow the bars to fully chill before slicing to ensure neat, clean cuts and well-defined layers.
Variations and Customizations:
- Lemon Blueberry Bars: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the cream cheese layer for a fruity twist.
- Graham Cracker Crust: Swap the traditional shortbread crust with a graham cracker crust for a more crumbly texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and lemon layer for a gluten-free version of these bars.
- Coconut Lemon Bars: Add shredded coconut to the crust or sprinkle it on top for a tropical flavor.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars are rich in fats and sugars, largely due to the cream cheese and butter in the crust. To make a lighter version:
- Reduce Sugar: You can cut down on the sugar in both the cream cheese and lemon layers.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Use low-fat or light cream cheese for a lower-calorie option without sacrificing much flavor.
- Portion Control: Cut smaller squares to help manage portion sizes, as these bars are quite rich and satisfying.
FAQ:
- Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. - How should I store leftovers?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving. - Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used. However, the flavor may not be as vibrant.
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars
Lemon Cream Cheese Bars offer a perfect balance of creamy richness and bright, tangy lemon flavor, layered on a buttery shortbread crust. These refreshing bars are ideal for any occasion and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2 8 ounce packages refrigerated crescent roll dough (such as Pillsbury® Recipe Creations®), divided
- 2 lemons zested and juiced, divided
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Unroll 1 crescent roll dough; press into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, stretching to the edges.
- Mix together lemon juice and 3/4 of the lemon zest in a large bowl. Beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar into juice-zest mixture with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy; spread over crescent roll dough in the baking dish.
- Unroll remaining crescent roll dough and place over cream cheese mixture, stretching to the edges. Brush melted butter on top. Mix together 3 tablespoons sugar and remaining lemon zest in a small bowl; sprinkle over melted butter.
- Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Lift dessert from the baking dish using foil; transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares, leaving on foil. Return dessert to the baking dish and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.